11/10/2024
BRACHIOCEPHALICUS MUSCLE
What signs and symptoms does a horse exhibit when experiencing brachiocephalicus muscle dysfunction?
Stretching the neck upwards or to the opposite side of afflicted muscle.
In motion, the horse travels fine in a straight line, but will feel off on circles. If the muscle is not treated, the horse will start to feel off during all movement and will have a problem
picking up front lead on the affected side.
The brachiocephalicus muscle assists in moving the front leg forward.
It brings the front leg in toward other leg , and
bends the head and neck to the same side as muscle contraction (lateral flexion).
Activities that cause brachiocephalicus muscle pain and symptoms in the horse:
Riders who balance on the reins (lesson horses).
A horse whose discipline requires collection and flexion of the head/neck (dressage, race horses).
Sudden change in direction causing a rider to jerk the horses head to one side (barrel horses, rope horses, polo horses).
Sudden stops, turns, twisting head, neck, shoulders (polo, reining, working cow, barrel racing).
Pulling back when tied.
Book your next session with me if your horse is showing any signs of the above.
(Extract form an article by Whole Horse Connection LLC)